Frederick III of Saxe-Gotha vs Idris Alooma

Frederick III hosted Voltaire at his court in Gotha for several months. The philosopher wrote and corresponded while there, and Frederick III supported the Enlightenment ideas, enhancing Gotha's intellectual reputation.

Frederick III provided financial support to the University of Jena, which served students from Saxe-Gotha and neighboring states. His patronage helped maintain the university's academic standards during the Enlightenment.

Frederick III redesigned the gardens of Friedenstein Palace in the Rococo style, creating ornamental parterres, fountains, and a menagerie. This garden became a notable example of Rococo landscape architecture in Germany.

Idris Alooma introduced firearms, including muskets and cannons, to the Kanem-Bornu army. He hired Turkish and North African mercenaries to train his troops, creating a professional standing army that gave Bornu a military advantage.

Idris Alooma made a pilgrimage to Mecca, traveling through Egypt and Arabia. He established diplomatic ties with the Ottoman Empire and secured support for his military reforms, including the supply of firearms.

Idris Alooma led campaigns against the Sao people, who had long raided Bornu. He defeated them and incorporated their territory, securing the empire's southern borders and gaining control over trade routes.

Idris Alooma built fortified military camps (ribats) along Bornu's borders. These camps housed garrisons and served as bases for campaigns, improving defense against raids from the Tuareg and other groups.

Idris Alooma codified Islamic law and established a system of courts in Bornu. He appointed qadis (judges) and standardized legal procedures, strengthening the rule of law and centralizing authority.